Chartered Accountants’ apex body emphasises critical importance of work-life balance
PTC News Desk: In a significant move aimed at addressing the escalating concerns around stress and work-life balance in the profession, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) announced the establishment of a dedicated group on Monday. This initiative comes in the wake of the unfortunate death of chartered accountant Anna Sebastian Perayil, who reportedly succumbed to extreme work pressure while employed at SR Batliboi, a member firm of EY Global.
With a robust membership of over 400,000 chartered accountants and more than 800,000 students, the ICAI is taking proactive measures to foster a healthier work environment. The newly formed group will focus on recommending strategies for stress management and enhancing work-life balance for its members.
In conjunction with this effort, the ICAI will introduce a specialised counselling help desk within its national call center, accessible at 9997599975. This resource is designed to provide members with support related to stress management and work-life balance issues.
Furthermore, the ICAI plans to develop peer support networks, allowing members to share their experiences, seek advice, and collaboratively tackle challenges associated with stress management. This initiative is seen as a vital step toward building a supportive community within the profession.
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In addition to these measures, the ICAI will collaborate with health institutions to roll out stress management programs aimed at equipping professionals with the tools needed to cope with workplace pressures. The institute also intends to partner with industry players to promote flexible work models, which can significantly alleviate the demands placed on professionals.
ICAI President Ranjeet Kumar Agarwal emphasised the urgent need for organisations to adopt balanced work policies that prioritise employee health and mitigate stress levels. He stated, “The increasing demands placed on professionals across industries have raised widespread concerns regarding the detrimental effects of high-pressure environments on personal health and professional efficiency.”
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Highlighting its commitment to member welfare, the ICAI has already implemented various initiatives, including webinars focused on stress management. Additionally, the institute has a grievance redressal cell in place, with ongoing efforts to enhance the system for more structured and empathetic resolutions to members’ concerns.
As the ICAI continues to prioritise the well-being of its members and students, these new initiatives reflect a comprehensive approach to combating the adverse effects of work-related stress and fostering a culture of support and balance within the accounting profession.
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